Solution Sought For Traffic Outside Delray Market

Postal Patrons, Shoppers Frustrated By Years Of Problems.

The Boys Farmers Market in Delray Beach plans to tackle traffic problems that have frustrated shoppers for years, resulted in code violations and even prompted a federal lawsuit.

Solutions include adding a right turn lane on Military Trail and reconfiguring the congested parking lot, said Beril Kruger, the store's land planner. A private engineer also is studying how a traffic light at the post office next door could help drivers safely leave the market on 143rd Place South, a road that was not meant for store use.

"The goals are to eliminate problems with traffic on Military Trail and getting in and out of The Boys," Kruger said.

Problems have been plentiful: Standoffs between shoppers and post office customers were common when shoppers tried to turn left from 143rd on the green light meant for the post office. Complaints led store owners to reinstall a right-turn-only sign and set up concrete barriers blocking shoppers from using 143rd. Problems also have occurred on Military Trail, where cars stack up as drivers try to get in.

The Boys has received numerous violation notices from the city, which led the U.S. Postal Service to file a lawsuit against the city for failing to enforce the codes. It has been cited on a range of issues, from its parking lot layout, landscaping maintenance and paving without permits.

Store representatives, city and Palm Beach County officials, and community leaders have been meeting in recent months to resolve the traffic issues.

"We have been discussing this issue with all parties for many years without success," said Joseph Breckenridge, postal service spokesman. "We are reluctant to take the matter to court. However, given the seriousness of the situation, we feel we have no choice."

The case is pending at the Department of Justice, Breckenridge said.

The store's land planner proposed tearing down the fence between the post office and 143rd. The idea was to combine the two roads into a four-lane road and use the traffic light. But postal officials balked.

"The post office has been complaining, but they would not allow a four-lane [road]," he said. "It would have been a lot safer ... "

A four-lane road would open the post office to the store's traffic, which Breckenridge said would "increase congestion and increase the risk of collisions" for its customers and employees.

Instead, the store plans to widen 143rd and move utility poles so delivery trucks and customers have an easier time getting in and out, Kruger said.

Officials floated the idea of a traffic signal serving the store and the post office about two years ago, said Dan Weisberg, county traffic director. A decision about the signal will be made after The Boys submits its plans.

The county government has a say over the signal because it is on Military, a county-maintained road. But the Delray Beach City Commission would approve or reject the store's plans because the store is in the city limits.

Kruger expects to go before the commission in the next few months.

Patty Pensa can be reached at ppensa@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6609.